2020 State Legislative Priorities

DES MOINES, Iowa, (January 2020) – The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) works to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are part of the design of and have access to community services and supports that promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration and inclusion in community life.

The Council has engaged Iowans with disabilities, their families, providers and other advocates throughout the state in discussions about policy and funding that support independent living opportunities for Iowans with disabilities. These individuals and their families want choices about where they live and work but those choices are too often limited by the inadequacy of available community-based options.

The DD Council is deeply concerned about the recent investigation at the Glenwood Resource Center. We sympathize with the residents and their families and are available as a resource to people with disabilities and their families as well as other advocates.

In light of this investigation, now more than ever, the Iowa DD Council is urging lawmakers to support polices that increase community options and services, while also building the capacity of the community to support all individuals with disabilities. The Council’s 2020 Legislative Priorities are in response to that:

Priority #1: Establish a stable, long-term funding stream for the Regional Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) system that supports the vision of the MH/DS redesign and growth of a system that expands access to services for Iowans with developmental disabilities and brain injuries.

Priority #2: Adequately fund and administer a state Medicaid program that ensures access to an array of health care services and community services, including employment supports, for Iowans with developmental disabilities.

Priority #3: Expand the Children’s Service System to include the development and management of a system of care for all children with serious emotional disturbances, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries and developmental disabilities by the MHDS regions. Ensure the state had adequate funding for the Children’s Service System.

Priority #4: Expand the availability, knowledge, skills and compensation of professionals, paraprofessionals and direct support workers to build community capacity and ensure access to a comprehensive system of mental health and disability services.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 1801ABSDD, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.